🎧 She Followed the Signs to Betsey Johnson's Yard Sale
Pre-Loved Podcast interview 🎤 with Meg Barnes, New York-based interior designer turned vintage dealer at Eclectic Inventory (my go-to for vintage watches!)
We’re chatting with Meg Barnes, the founder of Eclectic Inventory. Meg is a New York-based interior designer turned vintage dealer, who started an Etsy shop in 2012.
Her side-hustle has grown and evolved, and Eclectic Inventory has just opened a new studio space in Williamsburg!
On this episode we talk about how Meg's interior design background shaped her eye for quality and character in everything: from vintage Coach bags to rare timepieces.
You'll hear about her fascinating entry into the watch world (including the story behind that vintage watch choker I'm often wearing!), her experience shopping at Betsey Johnson's actual yard sale, and how she transformed her side hustle into a thriving vintage business.
Meg offers thoughtful insights on vintage market trends, reveals which designer bags are currently surging in popularity, and shares her philosophy on creating beautiful moments in everyday life through special household objects. It’s a really fun one and I think you’re gonna love it – let’s dive right in!
"I saw a sign that said 'Betsy Johnson yard sale'... I followed the signs and lo and behold, it was her freaking house!"
— Meg Barnes, Eclectic Inventory
DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
[1:46] How Betsey Johnson's whimsical, feminine designs shaped Meg's fashion sensibilities and continue to inspire her today.
[3:16] Growing up treasure hunting at garage sales with her mom and making her first Etsy sale with a thrifted cat pillow.
[6:21] “Thanks, It’s Thrifted!” Meg’s $10 thrifted Versace pants.
[8:05] Why Meg chose interior design as her career path and how it taught her to create curated environments and experiences.
[12:59] Building Eclectic Inventory as an Etsy shop, while balancing full-time work.
[17:23] How vintage Coach bags became Meg's specialty, which eventually evolved into other designer vintage purses
[21:43] The Chloe Paddington bag craze and Meg's thoughts on why certain designer bags are having a moment
[25:05] How a mall job at Fossil led to her vintage watch expertise.
[33:56] Opening Eclectic Inventory's physical space in Williamsburg and creating a hub for collaboration.
[39:42] Stumbling upon Betsey Johnson's personal yard sale in the Hamptons and scoring archival runway pieces.
EPISODE MENTIONS:
Hope you enjoy the episode — and you can find me across the internet on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads! 💛 - Emily
